Chi Wriggler

This species is distinguished by the following characters: second dorsal-fin rays I, 12; A rays I,11; predorsal area broadly scaled to just behind vertical through posterior edge of preopercle, a narrow median wedge of scales extending further forward almost to pore D; posterior naris no flap on anterior rim; head and body pale with brown reticulate mottling, forming about 11 X-shaped markings along the sides, between pectoral and caudal-fin bases (Ref. 59014).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 11; Vertebrae: 26

A benthic, inshore species found in coral reefs (Ref. 75154).

Xenisthmus chi (Japan wriggler, chi xenisthmid) is a species of fish in the wriggler family, Xenisthmidae, which is regarded as a synonymous with the Eleotridae,. Japan wrigglers are tiny and clear. Before Paedocypris progenetica and the dwarf goby (Pandaka pygmaea) were discovered, the Japan wriggler was the smallest known fish.